The Farmall A, manufactured by Farmall (a division of International Harvester) from 1939 to 1947, is a renowned row-crop tractor known for its versatility. Produced in Chicago, Illinois, and Louisville, Kentucky, it saw a total of 117,552 units. This iconic tractor featured an offset engine and wide front end, earning it the nickname “Cultivision.” With variations such as the AV for vegetable crops and the AI for industrial use, it catered to diverse farming needs. Powered by a dependable 4-cylinder International Harvester engine (gasoline or kerosene), the Farmall A played a crucial role in American agriculture, symbolizing a bygone era.
Farmall A (a part of International Harvester) Specs
Factories
Chicago, Illinois, USA; Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Total Built
117,552
Original Price (1947)
$750
Variants
AV
Vegetable crop
AI
International industrial
Engines Overview
Engine
International Harvester C113
Fuel
Gasoline or Kerosene (Depending by engine type)
Configuration
4-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement
113.1 cubic inches (1.9 liters)
Bore/Stroke
3.00 x 4.00 inches (76 x 102 mm)
Compression Ratio
6.0:1
Rated RPM
1400
Firing Order
1-3-4-2
Starter
Manual (electric option available)
Starter Volts
6
Coolant Capacity
13 quarts (12.3 liters)
Oil Capacity
5 quarts (4.7 liters)
Oil Change Interval
120 hours
Transmission
Type
Sliding gear
Gears
4 forward and 1 reverse
Farmall A Power
Plows
1 bottom plow
Drawbar (Tested)
16.32 horsepower (12.2 kW)
Belt (Tested)
18.34 horsepower (13.7 kW)
Mechanical Details
Drive
Two-wheel drive
Steering
Manual
Brakes
Mechanical contracting band brakes
Operator Station
Open
Tractor Hitch
Type
IH Pneumatic Lift-All
Power Take-off (PTO)
Rear PTO
Transmission-driven
Rear RPM
540 (1.125)
A Serial Numbers
1939
FAA501
1940
FAA6744
1941
FAA41500
1942
FAA80739
1944
FAA96390
1945
FAA113218
1946
FAA146700
1947 (Chicago)
FAA182964 (Final
1947 (Louisville)
FAA200001 (Final
Belt Pulley
Diameter
8.50 inches (21 cm)
Width
6 inches (15 cm)
RPM
1156
Speed
2574 ft/min (784.56 meters/min)
Electrical
Ground
Positive
Battery Volts
6
Farmall A Tires
Front
Ag tires 4.00-15
Rear
Ag tires 9-24
Dimensions
Length
106.3 inches (270 cm)
Width
76.8 inches (195 cm)
Height (steering wheel)
63.3 inches (160 cm)
Weight
2400 lbs (1088 kg)
Ballasted Weight
3,450 lbs (1564 kg)
Clearance (Front Axle)
21.875 inches (55 cm)
Clearance (Rear Axle)
20.875 inches (53 cm)
Farmall A Overview
The Farmall A is a prized collection model, cherished by tractor enthusiasts and historians for its remarkable historical significance and unique attributes. It stands as a testament to a pivotal era in American agriculture, produced by Farmall, a division of International Harvester, during the critical years spanning 1939 to 1947. What truly sets the Farmall A apart and endears it to collectors is its distinct “Cultivision” design, featuring an offset engine and a wide front end. This design allowed for unparalleled visibility during cultivation and planting, a revolutionary feature in its time.
Furthermore, the Farmall A’s versatility is a key aspect of its uniqueness. It was manufactured with variations like the high-crop AV, ideal for vegetable farming, and the AI model tailored for industrial applications. This adaptability made it a trusted workhorse on farms across the United States, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Under the hood, the Farmall A boasts a robust 4-cylinder International Harvester engine, available in both gasoline and kerosene versions, providing reliable power for a multitude of agricultural tasks. Its engine configuration, coupled with a manual or optional electric starter and positive grounding, made it a practical choice for farmers of the time.
Collectors prize the Farmall A not only for its mechanical prowess but also for its historical value. This tractor played an essential role in shaping American agriculture during a period of significant change and innovation. Today, it serves as a cherished symbol of that bygone era, making it a must-have addition to any tractor collection and a genuine piece of agricultural history.
